U.S. patent application number 16/864158 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-05 for pdcch monitoring span enhancement in mobile communications.
The applicant listed for this patent is MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd.. Invention is credited to Mohammed S Aleabe Al-Imari, Abdellatif Salah.
Application Number | 20200351681 16/864158 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004799939 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200351681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salah; Abdellatif ; et
al. |
November 5, 2020 |
PDCCH Monitoring Span Enhancement In Mobile Communications
Abstract
An apparatus, implemented in a user equipment (UE), transmits a
report of a per-span based capability of the UE to a network node
of a wireless network. The apparatus also performs physical
downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring using a configuration
that satisfies a requirement for a gap separation with respect to
spans for at least one candidate value set in the report in every
slot including cross-slot boundaries.
Inventors: |
Salah; Abdellatif;
(Cambridge, GB) ; Al-Imari; Mohammed S Aleabe;
(Cambridge, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd. |
Singapore |
|
SG |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004799939 |
Appl. No.: |
16/864158 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62842626 |
May 3, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 5/0094 20130101;
H04W 76/27 20180201; H04W 72/042 20130101; H04W 24/08 20130101;
H04W 72/0446 20130101; H04W 8/24 20130101; H04L 27/2605 20130101;
H04L 5/0007 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 24/08 20060101
H04W024/08; H04W 8/24 20060101 H04W008/24; H04W 72/04 20060101
H04W072/04; H04L 5/00 20060101 H04L005/00; H04L 27/26 20060101
H04L027/26; H04W 76/27 20060101 H04W076/27 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: transmitting, by a processor of an
apparatus implemented in a user equipment (UE), a report of a
per-span based capability of the UE to a network node of a wireless
network; and performing, by the processor, physical downlink
control channel (PDCCH) monitoring using a configuration that
satisfies a requirement for a gap separation with respect to spans
for at least one candidate value set in the report in every slot
including cross-slot boundaries.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the performing of the PDCCH
monitoring comprises performing the PDCCH monitoring with a
monitoring span for a sub-carrier spacing (SCS) of 15 kHz or 30
kHz.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the report
comprises reporting a plurality of valid configurations associated
with a plurality of candidate value sets each represented as (X, Y,
M, N), and wherein: X denotes a minimum number of orthogonal
frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols between start
symbols of every two adjacent spans, Y denotes a length of each
span expressed in a number of consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot, M
denotes a maximum number of non-overlapping control channel
elements (CCEs) per monitoring span defined by (X, Y), N denotes a
maximum number of blind decodes (BDs) per monitoring span defined
by (X, Y), and each set of (X, Y) respectively defines multiple
values of M, multiple values of N, or multiple values of each of M
and N such that two different values of M or N correspond to two
different UE capabilities.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the performing of the PDCCH
monitoring comprises selecting a largest value of M among a set of
values of M of the plurality of valid configurations.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the set of values of M is radio
resource control (RRC)-configured or dynamically configured by the
network node.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein a set of values of N is radio
resource control (RRC)-configured or dynamically configured by the
network node.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the report
comprises reporting a plurality of valid configurations associated
with a plurality of candidate value sets each represented as (X, Y,
index value for M, index value for N), and wherein: X denotes a
minimum number of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)
symbols between start symbols of every two adjacent spans, Y
denotes a length of each span expressed in a number of consecutive
OFDM symbols of a slot, the index value for M indicates an index to
a first table of a set of values of M, M denotes a maximum number
of non-overlapping control channel elements (CCEs) per monitoring
span defined by (X, Y), the index value for N indicates an index to
a second table of a set of values of N, N denotes a maximum number
of blind decodes (BDs) per monitoring span defined by (X, Y), and
each set of (X, Y) respectively defines multiple values of M,
multiple values of N, or multiple values of each of M and N such
that two different values of M or N correspond to two different UE
capabilities.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the performing of the PDCCH
monitoring comprises selecting a largest value of M among a set of
values of M of the plurality of valid configurations.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the set of values of M is radio
resource control (RRC)-configured or dynamically configured by the
network node.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the report
comprises reporting a plurality of valid configurations associated
with a plurality of candidate value sets each represented as (X, Y,
M), and wherein: X denotes a minimum number of orthogonal
frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols between start
symbols of every two adjacent spans, Y denotes a length of each
span expressed in a number of consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot,
and M denotes a maximum number of non-overlapping control channel
elements (CCEs) per monitoring span defined by (X, Y).
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the performing of the PDCCH
monitoring comprises selecting a largest value of M among a set of
values of M of the plurality of valid configurations.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the set of values of M is radio
resource control (RRC)-configured or dynamically configured by the
network node.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving, by the
processor, radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the network
node, wherein the report further reports a per-slot based
capability of the UE, and wherein the RRC signaling indicates which
of the per-slot based capability and the per-span based capability
to apply for the PDCCH monitoring.
14. An apparatus implementable in a user equipment (UE),
comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a network
node of a wireless network; and a processor coupled to the
transceiver, the processor configured to perform operations
comprising: transmitting, via the transceiver, a report of a
per-span based capability of the UE to the network node; and
performing, via the transceiver, physical downlink control channel
(PDCCH) monitoring using a configuration that satisfies a
requirement for a gap separation with respect to spans for at least
one candidate value set in the report in every slot including
cross-slot boundaries.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, in performing the PDCCH
monitoring, the processor performs the PDCCH monitoring with a
monitoring span for a sub-carrier spacing (SCS) of 15 kHz or 30
kHz.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, in transmitting the report,
the processor reports a plurality of valid configurations
associated with a plurality of candidate value sets each
represented as (X, Y, M, N), and wherein: X denotes a minimum
number of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols
between start symbols of every two adjacent spans, Y denotes a
length of each span expressed in a number of consecutive OFDM
symbols of a slot, M denotes a maximum number of non-overlapping
control channel elements (CCEs) per monitoring span defined by (X,
Y), N denotes a maximum number of blind decodes (BDs) per
monitoring span defined by (X, Y), and each set of (X, Y)
respectively defines multiple values of M, multiple values of N, or
multiple values of each of M and N such that two different values
of M or N correspond to two different UE capabilities.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, in performing the PDCCH
monitoring, the processor selects a largest value of M among a set
of values of M of the plurality of valid configurations, wherein
the set of values of M is radio resource control (RRC)-configured
or dynamically configured by the network node, and wherein a set of
values of N is RRC-configured or dynamically configured by the
network node.
18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, in transmitting the report,
the processor reports a plurality of valid configurations
associated with a plurality of candidate value sets each
represented as (X, Y, index value for M, index value for N), and
wherein: X denotes a minimum number of orthogonal
frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols between start
symbols of every two adjacent spans, Y denotes a length of each
span expressed in a number of consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot,
the index value for M indicates an index to a first table of a set
of values of M, M denotes a maximum number of non-overlapping
control channel elements (CCEs) per monitoring span defined by (X,
Y), the index value for N indicates an index to a second table of a
set of values of N, N denotes a maximum number of blind decodes
(BDs) per monitoring span defined by (X, Y), and each set of (X, Y)
respectively defines multiple values of M, multiple values of N, or
multiple values of each of M and N such that two different values
of M or N correspond to two different UE capabilities.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, in performing the PDCCH
monitoring, the processor selects a largest value of M among a set
of values of M of the plurality of valid configurations, and
wherein the set of values of M is radio resource control
(RRC)-configured or dynamically configured by the network node.
20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processor is further
configured to perform operations comprising: receiving, via the
transceiver, radio resource control (RRC) signaling from the
network node, wherein, in the report, the processor further reports
a per-slot based capability of the UE, and wherein the RRC
signaling indicates which of the per-slot based capability and the
per-span based capability to apply for the PDCCH monitoring.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] The present disclosure is part of a non-provisional patent
application claiming the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/842,626, filed on 3 May 2019, the content
of which being incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to mobile
communications and, more particularly, to enhancement of physical
downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring span in mobile
communications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Unless otherwise indicated herein, approaches described in
this section are not prior art to the claims listed below and are
not admitted as prior art by inclusion in this section.
[0004] In Release 15 (Rel-15) of the 3.sup.rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP) technical specification for New Radio
(NR), two PDCCH monitoring cases have been defined. In a first case
(Case 1), a PDCCH monitoring periodicity of 14 or more symbols has
been defined. More specifically, in Case 1-1, PDCCH monitoring can
be on up to three orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM)
symbols at the beginning of a slot and, in Case 1-2, PDCCH
monitoring can be on any span of up to three consecutive OFDM
symbols of a slot. For a given user equipment (UE), all search
space configurations are within the same span of three consecutive
OFDM symbols in the slot. In a second case (Case 2), a PDCCH
monitoring periodicity of less than 14 symbols has been defined.
This includes the PDCCH monitoring of up to three OFDM symbols at
the beginning of a slot. The support of Case 2 is necessary to
enable PDCCH monitoring within the slot and to allow for
low-latency scheduling for ultra-reliable low-latency communication
(URLLC).
[0005] In Rel-15, budgets of the number of control channel elements
(#CCE) blind decodes (#BD) were defined on a per-slot basis for
different numerologies. In Release 16 (Rel-16) of the 3GPP
technical specification for NR, an increased PDCCH monitoring
capability (with respect to the maximum number of non-overlapped
CCEs and BDs per slot) is needed. Increased PDCCH monitoring
capability leads to reduced latency and improvement in PDCCH
blocking. However, increase PDCCH monitoring capability tends to
result in increased UE complexity and power consumption. Thus,
there is a need for a PDCCH monitoring design in Rel-16, to avoid
or otherwise mitigate the compromise on UE complexity and power
consumption, by taking into account the increase in the #CCEs #BDs
budgets and distribution of the budgets to limit UE complexity.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following summary
is provided to introduce concepts, highlights, benefits and
advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described
herein. Select implementations are further described below in the
detailed description. Thus, the following summary is not intended
to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor
is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0007] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide
schemes, concepts, designs, techniques, methods and apparatuses
pertaining to enhancement of PDCCH monitoring span in mobile
communications.
[0008] In one aspect, a method may involve a processor of an
apparatus, implemented in a UE, transmitting a report of a per-span
based capability of the UE to a network node of a wireless network.
The method may also involve the processor performing PDCCH
monitoring using a configuration that satisfies a requirement for a
gap separation with respect to spans for at least one candidate
value set in the report in every slot including cross-slot
boundaries.
[0009] In one aspect, an apparatus implementable in a UE may
include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver.
The transceiver may be configured to communicate with a network
node of a wireless network. The processor may transmit, via the
transceiver, a report of a per-span based capability of the UE to a
network node of a wireless network. The processor may also perform,
via the transceiver, PDCCH monitoring using a configuration that
satisfies a requirement for a gap separation with respect to spans
for at least one candidate value set in the report in every slot
including cross-slot boundaries.
[0010] It is noteworthy that, although description provided herein
may be in the context of certain radio access technologies,
networks and network topologies such as 5th Generation (5G)/NR, the
proposed concepts, schemes and any variation(s)/derivative(s)
thereof may be implemented in, for and by other types of radio
access technologies, networks and network topologies such as, for
example and without limitation, Long-Term Evolution (LTE),
LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, Internet-of-Things (IoT),
Industrial IoT (IIoT) and narrowband IoT (NB-IoT). Thus, the scope
of the present disclosure is not limited to the examples described
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the present disclosure. The drawings
illustrate implementations of the disclosure and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. It
is appreciable that the drawings are not necessarily in scale as
some components may be shown to be out of proportion than the size
in actual implementation to clearly illustrate the concept of the
present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example network environment in
which various solutions and schemes in accordance with the present
disclosure may be implemented.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example scenario in accordance
with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example scenario in accordance
with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example scenario in accordance
with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example scenario in accordance
with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example communication system
in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example process in accordance
with an implementation of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed
subject matters are disclosed herein. However, it shall be
understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are
merely illustrative of the claimed subject matters which may be
embodied in various forms. The present disclosure may, however, be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth
herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are
provided so that description of the present disclosure is thorough
and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present
disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the description below,
details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and
implementations.
Overview
[0020] Implementations in accordance with the present disclosure
relate to various techniques, methods, schemes and/or solutions
pertaining to enhancement of PDCCH monitoring span in mobile
communications. According to the present disclosure, a number of
possible solutions may be implemented separately or jointly. That
is, although these possible solutions may be described below
separately, two or more of these possible solutions may be
implemented in one combination or another.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example network environment 100 in
which various solutions and schemes in accordance with the present
disclosure may be implemented. FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5
illustrate example scenarios 200, 300, 400 and 500, respectively,
in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. Each
of scenarios 200, 300, 400 and 500 may be implemented in network
environment 100. The following description of various proposed
schemes is provided with reference to FIG. 1.about.FIG. 5.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, network environment 100 may involve a
UE 110 in wireless communication with a wireless network 120 (e.g.,
a 5G NR mobile network). UE 110 may be in wireless communication
with wireless network 120 via a base station or network node 125
(e.g., an eNB, gNB or transmit-receive point (TRP)) and perform
operations to achieve enhancement of PDCCH monitoring span in
mobile communications based on any of the proposed schemes in
accordance with the present disclosure, as described herein.
[0023] In Rel-15, the maximum number of non-overlapped CCEs and BDs
is specified per slot. An increased PDCCH monitoring capability on
the number of non-overlapped CCEs was adopted in Rel-16 for better
latency. Explicit limitation on the maximum number of
non-overlapped CCEs is per monitoring span. That is, the limitation
on the number of non-overlapped CCEs is per slot for Rel-15 and per
span for Rel-16. The Rel-15 Feature 3-5b defining the monitoring
span is used for the explicit limitation. Monitoring spans (2, 2),
(4, 3), (7, 3) defined in UE feature 3-5b constitute the (X, Y)
combinations adopted for Rel-16 PDCCH monitoring capability on the
per-component carrier (CC) limit on the maximum number of
non-overlapping CCEs. The per-CC limit on the maximum number of
non-overlapping CCEs for channel estimation per PDCCH monitoring
span for a certain combination (X, Y, .mu.) is denoted as C. The
value of C for combination (7, 3) for 15 kHz and 30 kHz is 56. The
value of C for combination (4, 3) for 15 kHz and 30 kHz is yet to
be defined. The value of C for combination (2, 2) for 15 kHz and 30
kHz is yet to be defined also. UE 110 may report the supported
combinations per sub-carrier spacing (SCS) and/or per minimum
processing capability.
[0024] Under the 3GPP, it has been agreed that support for
increased PDCCH monitoring capability on at least the maximum
number of non-overlapped CCEs per slot for channel estimation for
Rel-16 NR URLLC for at least one SCS is subject to a number of
restrictions. One restriction involves explicit limitation on the
maximum number of BDs/non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring occasion
and/or per monitoring span.
[0025] Generally, PDCCH monitoring occasion(s) can be any OFDM
symbol(s) of a slot for Case 2. For any two PDCCH monitoring
occasions belonging to different spans (in the same or different
search space(s)) there is a minimum time separation of X OFDM
symbols (including the cross-slot boundary case) between the start
symbols of every two adjacent spans, with each span being of a
length up to Y consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot. It is noteworthy
that spans do not overlap and every span is contained in a single
slot. The same span pattern repeats in every slot. Moreover, the
separation between consecutive spans within and across slots may be
unequal but the same (X, Y) limit need to be satisfied by all
spans. Additionally, every PDCCH monitoring occasion is fully
contained in one span.
[0026] In order to determine a suitable span pattern, firstly a
bitmap b(l), 0.ltoreq.l.ltoreq.13, is generated in that b(l)=1, in
case symbol l of any slot is part of a monitoring occasion, and
b(l)=0 otherwise. The first span in the span pattern begins at the
smallest l for which b(l)=1. The next span in the span pattern
begins at the smallest l not included in the previous span(s) for
which b(l)=1. The span duration is the maximum of the two values of
(1) the maximum value of all control resource set (CORESET)
durations and (2) the minimum value of Y in UE-reported candidate
value(s) (which can be mathematically expressed as max{maximum
value of all CORESET durations, minimum value of Y in UE-reported
candidate value(s)}) except possibly the last span in a slot which
can be of a shorter duration. Thus, a particular PDCCH monitoring
configuration would meet the UE capability limitation if the span
arrangement satisfies the gap separation for at least one (X, Y) in
the UE-reported candidate value set in every slot, including
cross-slot boundaries.
[0027] The number of different start symbol indices of spans for
all PDCCH monitoring occasions per slot is no more than
floor(14/X), where X is the minimum value among values reported by
the UE with respect to a minimum separation or gap between the
start symbols of every two adjacent spans in terms of number of
OFDM symbols. The number of different start symbol indices of PDCCH
monitoring occasions per slot including PDCCH monitoring occasions
is no more than 7. The number of different start symbol indices of
PDCCH monitoring occasions per half-slot including PDCCH monitoring
occasions is no more than 4 in the secondary cell (SCell). FIG. 2
illustrates an example scenario 200 of PDCCH monitoring in
accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. In
scenario 200, the maximum value of all CORESET durations is 2 and
the minimum value of Y in the UE-reported candidate value is 1.
Thus, for the (X, Y) candidate of (4, 1), the span duration may be
expressed as span duration=max{max CORESET duration, minimum
reported Y}=max{2, 1}=2. Also, in scenario 200, floor(14/X)=3. FIG.
3 illustrates an example scenario 300 of PDCCH monitoring in
accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure. In
scenario 300, the maximum value of all CORESET durations is 2 and
the minimum value of Y in the UE-reported candidate value is 3.
Thus, for the (X, Y) candidate of (4, 3), the span duration may be
expressed as span duration=max{max CORESET duration, minimum
reported Y}=max{2, 3}=3. Also, in scenario 200, floor(14/X)=3.
[0028] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, a PDCCH monitoring span arrangement may meet UE
capability limitation if the span arrangement satisfies the gap
separation for at least one (X, Y) in the UE-reported candidate
value set in every slot (C1, C2), including cross-slot boundaries.
For example, C1=(4, 3, M1) and C2=(7, 3, M2). In this example, both
C1 and C2 are valid configurations, and a single value of M needs
to be selected under one of a number of options. Under a first
option (Option 1), the value of M of the valid configuration with
the largest X may be selected. In the above example, the largest X
is 7 and corresponds to configuration C2 and, hence, M=M2. In an
event that the largest X applies to multiple configurations, the
value of Y may be used for selection (e.g., the largest or the
smallest Y) or the largest M may be chosen. Under a second option
(Option 2), the largest value of M of the valid configurations may
be selected. Under a third option (Option 3), the value of M of the
valid configuration with the lowest index may be selected.
[0029] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, as in Rel-15 Feature 3-5b where (X, Y) is reported to a
base station (e.g., network node 125), UE 110 may report (X, Y, M)
where M is included in the UE report and M is the maximum number of
non-overlapping CCEs for channel estimation per PDCCH monitoring
span for a corresponding set of (X, Y). An explicit value of M may
be reported or an alternative value that may be used to deduce the
value of M (e.g., an index into a specified table for possible
values of M). For instance, the possible values of M may be left to
UE 110 to report based on its capabilities. A set of possible
values of M may be specified and UE 110 may select a value to
report in each UE-reported candidate (X, Y, M). Alternatively, or
additionally, UE 110 may be radio resource control (RRC)-configured
or dynamically configured with a set of possible values of M for
selection. Alternatively, or additionally, the value of M may be
specified but not explicitly reported by UE 110, and network node
125 may deduce the value of M (e.g., from the UE-reported candidate
(X, Y)).
[0030] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, another Mos may be defined per OFDM symbol and reported
instead of M. In such cases, network node 125 may derive the value
of M based on the Mos. For instance, one option to derive M may be
expressed as M=max(valid X).times.Mos. Another other to derive M
may be expressed as M=Sj.times.Mos, where Sj denotes the separation
between consecutive spans. Hence, a different value of M per
monitoring span may result based on the separation to the next
span. FIG. 4 illustrates an example scenario 400 in accordance with
an implementation of the present disclosure. In scenario 400,
different separations between consecutive spans are labeled as S1,
S2, S3 and S4, which may be of different lengths in terms of number
of OFDM symbols.
[0031] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, multiple options may be considered to define UE
behavior in an event that an obtained span monitoring configuration
is invalid. For instance, when the condition on different start
symbol indices of PDCCH monitoring occasions is no more than 7 is
violated, multiple options may be considered to define behavior of
UE 110. In one option, UE 110 may drop all the PDCCH monitoring
configurations and consider it as an error case. UE 110 may not be
expected to be configured with monitoring configurations leading to
invalid span monitoring configuration. UE 110 may fall back to the
monitoring configuration associated with CORESET 0. In another
option, UE 110 may drop one or more configurations based on some
priorities in an event that dropping one or more configurations
could lead to a valid span monitoring configuration. Such
priorities may include, for example and without limitation, search
space index, service type (in case of physical layer awareness of
service type associated with a monitoring configuration), density
of monitoring occasions of each configuration, and smallest or
largest monitoring gaps. In case that multiple dropping
combinations are possible, some extra constraints to help
down-select the possibilities may be introduced such as, for
example and without limitation, search space index. Dropping one or
more configurations may be done prior to the PDCCH overbooking
check to avoid dropping rules conflict.
[0032] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, multiple options may be considered to define UE
behavior in an event that PDCCH monitoring configurations together
lead to an invalid configuration. For instance, when the number of
different start symbol indices of PDCCH monitoring occasions per
slot is more than 7, multiple options may be considered to define
behavior of UE 110. In one option, UE 110 may drop all the PDCCH
monitoring configurations and consider it as an error case. UE 110
may not be expected to be configured with monitoring configurations
leading to an invalid monitoring configuration. UE 110 may fall
back to the monitoring configuration associated with CORESET 0. In
another option, UE 110 may drop one or more configurations based on
some priorities in an event that dropping one or more
configurations could lead to a valid monitoring configuration. Such
priorities may include, for example and without limitation, search
space index, service type (in case of physical layer awareness of
service type associated with a monitoring configuration), density
of monitoring occasions of each configuration, and smallest or
largest monitoring gaps. In case that multiple dropping
combinations are possible, some extra constraints to help
down-select the possibilities may be introduced such as, for
example and without limitation, search space index.
[0033] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, the maximum number of monitored PDCCH candidates (blind
decodes, or #BDs) may be defined in a similar way as M (the maximum
number of non-overlapping CCEs for channel estimation per PDCCH
monitoring span) and may be denoted as N. Various aspects with
respect to defining and reporting of M as described in the present
disclosure may also be applied to the design of N (#BDs budget).
FIG. 5 illustrates an example scenario 500 in accordance with an
implementation of the present disclosure. In scenario 500,
different values of M and N corresponding to different cases of (X,
Y) may be defined in the table shown.
[0034] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, as in Rel-15 Feature 3-5b where (X, Y) is reported to a
gNB (e.g., network node 125), UE 110 may report (X, Y, M, N) where
M and N are both included in the UE report. Here, M denotes the
maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring span defined
by (X, Y) and N denotes the maximum number of BDs per monitoring
span defined by (X, Y). Under the proposed scheme, explicit values
of M and N may be reported or alternative value(s) that may be used
to deduce the value(s) of M and N may be reported. For instance, an
index into specified table(s) for possible values of M and/or N may
be reported instead of explicit value(s) thereof. Alternatively, or
additionally, possible values of M and N may be left to UE 110 to
report based on its capabilities. Alternatively, or additionally, a
set of possible values of M and/or N may be specified and UE 110
may select the values to report in each UE report candidate (X, Y,
M, N). Alternatively, or additionally, UE 110 may be RRC or
dynamically configured with the set of possible values of M and/or
N for selection. Alternatively, or additionally, the values of M
and N may be specified but not explicitly reported by UE 110 and,
in such cases, network node 125 may deduce the value(s) of M and/or
N (e.g., from the Rel-15 Feature 3-5b UE-reported candidate (X,
Y)).
[0035] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, multiple values of M and/or N may be defined per (X, Y)
single candidate to allow for different numbers for different
numerologies. Under the proposed scheme, multiple values of M
and/or N may be defined per (X, Y) single candidate to allow for
different numbers for different UE processing capabilities. For
instance, two values of M and/or N may be specified for two
capabilities of UE 110 (e.g., capability #1 and capability #2).
Under the proposed scheme, the monitoring span design may be
restricted to some numerologies (e.g., only for SCS=15 kHz or 30
kHz). Under the proposed scheme, in the monitoring span design
table (e.g., the table in FIG. 3), some rows may be restricted to
certain numerologies. Alternatively, one separate table per
numerology may be defined.
[0036] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, a PDCCH monitoring span arrangement may meet UE
capability limitation if the span arrangement satisfies the gap
separation for at least one (X, Y) in the UE-reported candidate
value set in every slot (C1, C2), including cross-slot boundaries.
For example, C1=(4, 3, M1, N1) and C2=(7, 3, M2, N2). In this
example, both C1 and C2 are valid configurations, and a single
value of M and/or N needs to be selected under one of a number of
options. Under a first option (Option 1), the value of M and/or N
of the valid configuration with the largest X may be selected. In
the above example, the largest X is 7 and corresponds to
configuration C2 and, hence, M=M2. In an event that the largest X
applies to multiple configurations, the value of Y may be used for
selection (e.g., the largest or the smallest Y) or the largest M
and/or N may be chosen. Under a second option (Option 2), the
largest value of M and/or N of the valid configurations may be
selected. Under a third option (Option 3), the value of M and/or N
of the valid configuration with the lowest index may be
selected.
[0037] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, the new design of PDCCH monitoring spans, the
UE-reported (X, Y) candidate and a value of M of the limit on the
maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs may be different from those
according to the Rel-15 slot-based design. Under the proposed
scheme, the selection of the new design may be done by RRC
configuration. The new design may be defined as a UE capability and
UE 110 may report the support of the new design to network node
125. Under the proposed scheme, two mechanisms may be defined. A
first mechanism (Mechanism 1) may utilize new slot-based #CCEs and
#BDs limits (similar to Rel-15 but with budgets increased), and it
may be possible to define the budget per half-slot instead. A
second mechanism (Mechanism 2) may involve monitoring span design
with the UE reporting (X, Y, M) candidates. The two mechanisms may
be defined as UE features/capabilities and UE 110 may report the
support of such features. The two mechanisms may also be used
together where Mechanism 1 may put a limit per slot and Mechanism 2
may be for the distribution of the budgets in the slot. Different
numbers of maximum CCs to support Mechanism 1 and Mechanism 2 may
be defined. Moreover, Mechanism 1 and/or Mechanism 2 may be
restricted to primary cell (PCell) and secondary cell (SCell) or,
alternatively, may be supported but as a UE capability.
[0038] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, when Mechanism 1 and Mechanism 2 are used
simultaneously, the #CCEs and #BDs budgets obtained from the two
mechanisms may not be contradicting or some rules may be defined to
allow the two mechanisms to co-exist. In one option, the condition
(max non-overlapping #CCEs of Mechanism 2).ltoreq.(max
non-overlapping #CCEs of Mechanism 1) may be verified. Here, "max
non-overlapping #CCEs of Mechanism 1" denotes the maximum number of
non-overlapping CCEs budgets per slot (or sub-slot), and "max
non-overlapping #CCEs of Mechanism 2" denotes the maximum number of
non-overlapping CCEs budgets per slot (or sub-slot) determined as
M.times.Ns, where M is the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs
per span and Ns is the number of spans per slot (or sub-slot). In
an event that the condition above is not verified, then one of the
following may be implemented: (1) this may be considered as an
error case, (2) the value of M (per monitoring span) may be capped
as M.ltoreq.(max non-overlapping #CCEs of Mechanism 1)/Ns, and (3)
one of the two mechanisms may be selected.
[0039] In another option, the condition (max non-overlapping #CCEs
of Mechanism 2).ltoreq.(max non-overlapping #CCEs of Mechanism 1)
may be verified. Here, "max non-overlapping #CCEs of Mechanism 1"
denotes the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs budgets per slot
(or sub-slot), and "max non-overlapping #CCEs of Mechanism 2"
denotes the maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs budgets per slot
(or sub-slot) determined as M.times.Ns, where M is the maximum
number of non-overlapping CCEs per span and Ns is the number of
spans per slot (or sub-slot). In an event that the condition above
is not verified, then one of the following may be implemented: (1)
this may be considered as an error case, (2) the value of M (per
monitoring span) may be capped as M.ltoreq.(max non-overlapping
#CCEs of Mechanism 1)/Ns, and (3) one of the two mechanisms may be
selected.
[0040] Another option for the case when Mechanism 1 and Mechanism 2
are used simultaneously may be o restrict Mechanism 1 to some
configuration(s) and Mechanism 2 to some different
configuration(s). For instance, Mechanism 1 may be restricted to
PDCCH monitoring configuration with a single span/monitoring
occasion and Mechanism 2 if multiple monitoring spans are needed.
In such a case the reported M may possibly be ignored. A further
option may be to allow this behavior and consider UE 110 to be
capable to support Mechanism 2 with higher capabilities then
specified in Mechanism 1. This may be defined as a UE feature or a
UE capability. Mechanism 1 or Mechanism 2 (or a combination of
both) may be used for the overbooking dropping rules.
[0041] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, with respect to the number of PDCCH monitoring spans
per slot, increased or decreased number of monitoring spans per
slot may be taken into account to scale up or down the budget M.
With increased number of spans, some scheduling restrictions may be
included such as, for example and without limitation, reduced
number of resource blocks (RBs), number of spatial layers, and
transport block size (TBS).
Illustrative Implementations
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an example system 600 having at least an
example apparatus 610 and an example apparatus 620 in accordance
with an implementation of the present disclosure. Each of apparatus
610 and apparatus 620 may perform various functions to implement
schemes, techniques, processes and methods described herein
pertaining to enhancement of PDCCH monitoring span in mobile
communications, including the various schemes described above with
respect to various proposed designs, concepts, schemes, systems and
methods described above as well as processes described below. For
instance, apparatus 610 may be an example implementation of UE 110,
and apparatus 620 may be an example implementation of network node
125.
[0043] Each of apparatus 610 and apparatus 620 may be a part of an
electronic apparatus, which may be a network apparatus or a UE
(e.g., UE 110), such as a portable or mobile apparatus, a wearable
apparatus, a wireless communication apparatus or a computing
apparatus. For instance, each of apparatus 610 and apparatus 620
may be implemented in a smartphone, a smart watch, a personal
digital assistant, a digital camera, or a computing equipment such
as a tablet computer, a laptop computer or a notebook computer.
Each of apparatus 610 and apparatus 620 may also be a part of a
machine type apparatus, which may be an IoT apparatus such as an
immobile or a stationary apparatus, a home apparatus, a wire
communication apparatus or a computing apparatus. For instance,
each of apparatus 610 and apparatus 620 may be implemented in a
smart thermostat, a smart fridge, a smart door lock, a wireless
speaker or a home control center. When implemented in or as a
network apparatus, apparatus 610 and/or apparatus 620 may be
implemented in a network node (e.g., network node 125), such as an
eNB in an LTE, LTE-Advanced or LTE-Advanced Pro network or in a gNB
or TRP in a 5G network, an NR network or an IoT network.
[0044] In some implementations, each of apparatus 610 and apparatus
620 may be implemented in the form of one or more
integrated-circuit (IC) chips such as, for example and without
limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more
multi-core processors, one or more reduced-instruction set
computing (RISC) processors, or one or more
complex-instruction-set-computing (CISC) processors. In the various
schemes described above, each of apparatus 610 and apparatus 620
may be implemented in or as a network apparatus or a UE. Each of
apparatus 610 and apparatus 620 may include at least some of those
components shown in FIG. 6 such as a processor 612 and a processor
622, respectively, for example. Each of apparatus 610 and apparatus
620 may further include one or more other components not pertinent
to the proposed scheme of the present disclosure (e.g., internal
power supply, display device and/or user interface device), and,
thus, such component(s) of apparatus 610 and apparatus 620 are
neither shown in FIG. 6 nor described below in the interest of
simplicity and brevity.
[0045] In one aspect, each of processor 612 and processor 622 may
be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors,
one or more multi-core processors, one or more RISC processors or
one or more CISC processors. That is, even though a singular term
"a processor" is used herein to refer to processor 612 and
processor 622, each of processor 612 and processor 622 may include
multiple processors in some implementations and a single processor
in other implementations in accordance with the present disclosure.
In another aspect, each of processor 612 and processor 622 may be
implemented in the form of hardware (and, optionally, firmware)
with electronic components including, for example and without
limitation, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or
more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one
or more memristors and/or one or more varactors that are configured
and arranged to achieve specific purposes in accordance with the
present disclosure. In other words, in at least some
implementations, each of processor 612 and processor 622 is a
special-purpose machine specifically designed, arranged and
configured to perform specific tasks including those pertaining to
enhancement of PDCCH monitoring span in mobile communications in
accordance with various implementations of the present
disclosure.
[0046] In some implementations, apparatus 610 may also include a
transceiver 616 coupled to processor 612. Transceiver 616 may be
capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some
implementations, apparatus 620 may also include a transceiver 626
coupled to processor 622. Transceiver 626 may include a transceiver
capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data.
[0047] In some implementations, apparatus 610 may further include a
memory 614 coupled to processor 612 and capable of being accessed
by processor 612 and storing data therein. In some implementations,
apparatus 620 may further include a memory 624 coupled to processor
622 and capable of being accessed by processor 622 and storing data
therein. Each of memory 614 and memory 624 may include a type of
random-access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM
(SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM) and/or zero-capacitor RAM (Z-RAM).
Alternatively, or additionally, each of memory 614 and memory 624
may include a type of read-only memory (ROM) such as mask ROM,
programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) and/or
electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively, or
additionally, each of memory 614 and memory 624 may include a type
of non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) such as flash memory,
solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM
(MRAM) and/or phase-change memory.
[0048] Each of apparatus 610 and apparatus 620 may be a
communication entity capable of communicating with each other using
various proposed schemes in accordance with the present disclosure.
For illustrative purposes and without limitation, a description of
capabilities of apparatus 610, as a UE, and apparatus 620, as a
base station of a serving cell of a wireless network (e.g., 6G/NR
mobile network), is provided below. It is noteworthy that, although
the example implementations described below are provided in the
context of a UE, the same may be implemented in and performed by a
base station. Thus, although the following description of example
implementations pertains to apparatus 610 as a UE (e.g., UE 110),
the same is also applicable to apparatus 620 as a network node or
base station such as a gNB, TRP or eNodeB (e.g., network node 125)
of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120) such as a 6G NR
mobile network.
[0049] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, processor 612 of apparatus 610 as a UE (e.g., UE 110)
may transmit, via transceiver 616, a report of a per-span based
capability of the UE to a network node (e.g., apparatus 620 as
network node 125) of a wireless network (e.g., wireless network
120). Additionally, processor 612 may perform, via transceiver 616,
PDCCH monitoring using a configuration that satisfies a requirement
for a gap separation with respect to spans for at least one
candidate value set in the report in every slot including
cross-slot boundaries.
[0050] In some implementations, in performing the PDCCH monitoring,
processor 612 may perform the PDCCH monitoring with a monitoring
span for a sub-carrier spacing (SCS) of 15 kHz or 30 kHz.
[0051] In some implementations, in transmitting the report,
processor 612 may report a plurality of valid configurations
associated with a plurality of candidate value sets each
represented as (X, Y, M, N), such that: (a) X denotes a minimum
number of OFDM symbols between start symbols of every two adjacent
spans, (b) Y denotes a length of each span expressed in a number of
consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot, (c) M denotes a maximum number
of non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring span defined by (X, Y), (d)
N denotes a maximum number of BDs per monitoring span defined by
(X, Y), and (e) each set of (X, Y) respectively defines multiple
values of M, multiple values of N, or multiple values of each of M
and N such that two different values of M or N correspond to two
different UE capabilities. In such cases, in performing the PDCCH
monitoring, processor 612 may select a largest value of M among a
set of values of M of the plurality of valid configurations.
Moreover, the set of values of M may be RRC-configured or
dynamically configured by the network node. Additionally, a set of
values of N may be RRC-configured or dynamically configured by the
network node.
[0052] In some implementations, in transmitting the report,
processor 612 may report a plurality of valid configurations
associated with a plurality of candidate value sets each
represented as (X, Y, index value for M, index value for N), such
that: (a) X denotes a minimum number of OFDM symbols between start
symbols of every two adjacent spans, (b) Y denotes a length of each
span expressed in a number of consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot,
(c) the index value for M indicates an index to a first table of a
set of values of M, (d) M denotes a maximum number of
non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring span defined by (X, Y), (e) the
index value for N indicates an index to a second table of a set of
values of N, (f) N denotes a maximum number of BDs per monitoring
span defined by (X, Y), and (g) each set of (X, Y) respectively
defines multiple values of M, multiple values of N, or multiple
values of each of M and N such that two different values of M or N
correspond to two different UE capabilities. In such cases, in
performing the PDCCH monitoring, processor 612 may select a largest
value of M among a set of values of M of the plurality of valid
configurations. Moreover, the set of values of M may be
RRC-configured or dynamically configured by the network node.
[0053] In some implementations, in transmitting the report,
processor 612 may report a plurality of valid configurations
associated with a plurality of candidate value sets each
represented as (X, Y, M), such that: (a) X denotes a minimum number
of OFDM symbols between start symbols of every two adjacent spans,
(b) Y denotes a length of each span expressed in a number of
consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot, and (c) M denotes a maximum
number of non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring span defined by (X,
Y). In such cases, in performing the PDCCH monitoring, processor
612 may select a largest value of M among a set of values of M of
the plurality of valid configurations. Moreover, the set of values
of M may be RRC-configured or dynamically configured by the network
node.
[0054] In some implementations, processor 612 may perform
additional operations. For instance, processor 612 may receive, via
transceiver 616, RRC signaling from the network node (e.g., prior
to performing the PDCCH monitoring). In such cases, in the report,
processor 612 may also report a per-slot based capability of the
UE. Furthermore, the RRC signaling may indicate which of the Rel-15
per-slot based capability and the Rel-16 per-span based capability
to apply for the PDCCH monitoring.
Illustrative Processes
[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 700 in accordance with
an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 700 may
represent an aspect of implementing various proposed designs,
concepts, schemes, systems and methods described above. More
specifically, process 700 may represent an aspect of the proposed
concepts and schemes pertaining to enhancement of PDCCH monitoring
span in mobile communications in accordance with the present
disclosure. Process 700 may include one or more operations,
actions, or functions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 710
and 720. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks of
process 700 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into
fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired
implementation. Moreover, the blocks/sub-blocks of process 700 may
be executed in the order shown in FIG. 7 or, alternatively in a
different order. Furthermore, one or more of the blocks/sub-blocks
of process 700 may be executed repeatedly or iteratively. Process
700 may be implemented by or in apparatus 610 and apparatus 620 as
well as any variations thereof. Solely for illustrative purposes
and without limiting the scope, process 700 is described below in
the context of apparatus 610 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and apparatus
620 as a network node (e.g., network node 125) of a wireless
network (e.g., wireless network 120) such as a 5G/NR mobile
network. Process 700 may begin at block 710.
[0056] At 710, process 700 may involve processor 612 of apparatus
610 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) transmitting, via transceiver 616, a
report of a per-span based capability of the UE to a network node
(e.g., apparatus 620 as network node 125) of a wireless network
(e.g., wireless network 120). Process 700 may proceed from 710 to
720.
[0057] At 720, process 700 may involve processor 612 performing,
via transceiver 616, PDCCH monitoring using a configuration that
satisfies a requirement for a gap separation with respect to spans
for at least one candidate value set in the report in every slot
including cross-slot boundaries.
[0058] In some implementations, in performing the PDCCH monitoring,
process 700 may involve processor 612 performing the PDCCH
monitoring with a monitoring span for a sub-carrier spacing (SCS)
of 15 kHz or 30 kHz.
[0059] In some implementations, in transmitting the report, process
700 may involve processor 612 reporting a plurality of valid
configurations associated with a plurality of candidate value sets
each represented as (X, Y, M, N), such that: (a) X denotes a
minimum number of OFDM symbols between start symbols of every two
adjacent spans, (b) Y denotes a length of each span expressed in a
number of consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot, (c) M denotes a
maximum number of non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring span defined
by (X, Y), (d) N denotes a maximum number of BDs per monitoring
span defined by (X, Y), and (e) each set of (X, Y) respectively
defines multiple values of M, multiple values of N, or multiple
values of each of M and N such that two different values of M or N
correspond to two different UE capabilities. In such cases, in
performing the PDCCH monitoring, process 700 may involve processor
612 selecting a largest value of M among a set of values of M of
the plurality of valid configurations. Moreover, the set of values
of M may be RRC-configured or dynamically configured by the network
node. Additionally, a set of values of N may be RRC-configured or
dynamically configured by the network node.
[0060] In some implementations, in transmitting the report, process
700 may involve processor 612 reporting a plurality of valid
configurations associated with a plurality of candidate value sets
each represented as (X, Y, index value for M, index value for N),
such that: (a) X denotes a minimum number of OFDM symbols between
start symbols of every two adjacent spans, (b) Y denotes a length
of each span expressed in a number of consecutive OFDM symbols of a
slot, (c) the index value for M indicates an index to a first table
of a set of values of M, (d) M denotes a maximum number of
non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring span defined by (X, Y), (e) the
index value for N indicates an index to a second table of a set of
values of N, (f) N denotes a maximum number of BDs per monitoring
span defined by (X, Y), and (g) each set of (X, Y) respectively
defines multiple values of M, multiple values of N, or multiple
values of each of M and N such that two different values of M or N
correspond to two different UE capabilities. In such cases, in
performing the PDCCH monitoring, process 700 may involve processor
612 selecting a largest value of M among a set of values of M of
the plurality of valid configurations. Moreover, the set of values
of M may be RRC-configured or dynamically configured by the network
node.
[0061] In some implementations, in transmitting the report, process
700 may involve processor 612 reporting a plurality of valid
configurations associated with a plurality of candidate value sets
each represented as (X, Y, M), such that: (a) X denotes a minimum
number of OFDM symbols between start symbols of every two adjacent
spans, (b) Y denotes a length of each span expressed in a number of
consecutive OFDM symbols of a slot, and (c) M denotes a maximum
number of non-overlapping CCEs per monitoring span defined by (X,
Y). In such cases, in performing the PDCCH monitoring, process 700
may involve processor 612 selecting a largest value of M among a
set of values of M of the plurality of valid configurations.
Moreover, the set of values of M may be RRC-configured or
dynamically configured by the network node.
[0062] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor
612 performing additional operations. For instance, process 700 may
involve processor 612 receiving, via transceiver 616, RRC signaling
from the network node (e.g., prior to performing the PDCCH
monitoring). In such cases, in transmitting the report, process 700
may also involve processor 612 reporting a per-slot based
capability of the UE. Furthermore, the RRC signaling may indicate
which of the Rel-15 per-slot based capability and the Rel-16
per-span based capability to apply for the PDCCH monitoring.
Additional Notes
[0063] The herein-described subject matter sometimes illustrates
different components contained within, or connected with, different
other components. It is to be understood that such depicted
architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other
architectures can be implemented which achieve the same
functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components
to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such
that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two
components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality
can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired
functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated
can also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably
coupled", to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and
any two components capable of being so associated can also be
viewed as being "operably couplable", to each other to achieve the
desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable
include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or
physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable
and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically
interacting and/or logically interactable components.
[0064] Further, with respect to the use of substantially any plural
and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can
translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular
to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application.
The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0065] Moreover, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended
claims, e.g., bodies of the appended claims, are generally intended
as "open" terms, e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted
as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc. It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
implementations containing only one such recitation, even when the
same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at
least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an," e.g., "a"
and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more;" the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to
introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number
of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those
skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number, e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations. Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention, e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc. In those instances
where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc."
is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
one having skill in the art would understand the convention, e.g.,
"a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not
be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc. It will be further understood by those within the
art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting
two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims,
or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities
of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms.
For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0066] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various
implementations of the present disclosure have been described
herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications
may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present disclosure. Accordingly, the various implementations
disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true
scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
* * * * *